MiJodsR2BlinkinTite
Well-Known Member
Hi, am just wondering if any of you YO's would take on a livery which had sweet itch. I offer DIY livery, and have had two separte people now ask me if I'll take on a horse/pony which has got sweet itch.
Having had a livery with sweet itch in the past, I've said no. Basically because they were at work all day, turned out the poor wretched pony with a rug that just didn't cover up at all, and the poor animal itched and rubbed itself raw - on my gateways and fences! Which meant that I had an expensive repair bill. Also this pony got itself so frantic in the stable that it trashed the inside - again more repairs.
I've had another lady ring up; and felt awful at being cagey about the fact her cob has got sweet itch. She says that she uses electric fencing to control the problem and so it won't rub on fences. My boy needs company and so I'm desperate for a livery, but don't want to get stuck with another problem like I've had before.
Any advice please? I feel mean saying "no" to sweet itch horses (with desperate owners), but as mine has got sweet itch I know just what is involved; plus don't need the hassle of worrying whether something has trashed the fences/gates or not.
Do you accept sweet-itches? If so, what sort of arrangements do you put in place; do you ask for a fence-repair deposit (would this be unreasonable?).
Having had a livery with sweet itch in the past, I've said no. Basically because they were at work all day, turned out the poor wretched pony with a rug that just didn't cover up at all, and the poor animal itched and rubbed itself raw - on my gateways and fences! Which meant that I had an expensive repair bill. Also this pony got itself so frantic in the stable that it trashed the inside - again more repairs.
I've had another lady ring up; and felt awful at being cagey about the fact her cob has got sweet itch. She says that she uses electric fencing to control the problem and so it won't rub on fences. My boy needs company and so I'm desperate for a livery, but don't want to get stuck with another problem like I've had before.
Any advice please? I feel mean saying "no" to sweet itch horses (with desperate owners), but as mine has got sweet itch I know just what is involved; plus don't need the hassle of worrying whether something has trashed the fences/gates or not.
Do you accept sweet-itches? If so, what sort of arrangements do you put in place; do you ask for a fence-repair deposit (would this be unreasonable?).
